The Doctrine of First Sale

The First Sale Doctrine says that if you possess a copy of a book that you bought legally, then you have the right to resell it after you’re done with it. This allows second-hand bookstores to exist – and also allows libraries to buy and then lend out books.

Now, a legal ruling has narrowed the scope of First Sale Doctrine so that it only applies to books made and distributed in the US. The effect? If your book was printed in Canada, be sure not to list it on eBay or Half.com and make sure it doesn’t show up at your yard sale. Did you order from Amazon UK? If so, you are now not allowed to resell that book! And if your local library stocks books from the UK -then they can no longer lend those books! Crazy? Listen to the show and decide.